Reginaldo Braga

Reginaldo Braga is a global justice advocate, pastor, and educator whose ministry bridges Brazil, the United States, and Europe. Born in Recife, Brazil, he was ordained in the União de Igrejas Evangélicas Congregacionais do Brasil and has served churches in Brazil and New York, guiding them into vibrant multicultural communities of faith and service. His ministry has included creating immigration clinics, language and computer programs, and support networks for immigrant families.

After serving as a volunteer chaplain in the aftermath of September 11 and later as Lead Chaplain for the American Red Cross in New York, Reginaldo’s pastoral identity has been shaped by compassion, resilience, and cross-cultural solidarity in times of crisis. He now serves as a minister member of the Presbyterian Church (USA), where he participates in his Presbytery’s Commission on Mission and convenes the New Church Development Committee, focusing on the support of new church plants in the area.

Academically, he holds a Doctor of Education from Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary, where his research explored Paulo Freire and a “pedagogy of grace.” He also earned a Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary and degrees in theology and languages in Brazil. He has taught and led academic programs for over two decades at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, where he served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and continues as Associate Professor of Religion and Education.

As founder of Point of Encounter, a nonprofit with initiatives in Brazil and the U.S., he has coordinated projects in education, health, and the arts, mobilizing volunteers and partnerships to serve vulnerable communities. His leadership has consistently focused on building ecologies of faith, justice, and collaboration across borders.

Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, Reginaldo brings cultural fluency and a passion for intercultural mission. His vision is deeply aligned with ECM Iberoamerica’s commitment to advancing the Gospel with creativity, justice, and hope among the peoples of Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.